Saudi Arabia condemns Houthi attacks targeting civilians, economic infrastructure, major cities and Saudi vessels, while reaffirming its right to defend its territory and sovereignty, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
In an official statement, the ministry condemned what it described as repeated attacks against Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and several other Saudi cities, as well as threats to vessels operating in the southern Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab Strait.
The Kingdom said it would take measures it considers necessary to protect its territory, resources, citizens and residents in accordance with international law.
Saudi Arabia Condemns Houthi Attacks on Cities and Infrastructure
The Foreign Ministry said Saudi Arabia condemns Houthi attacks directed at civilians as well as civilian and economic facilities.
The official statement specifically referred to Makkah and Madinah, along with Riyadh, Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, Najran, Taif and Yanbu.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, Riyadh views the attacks as threats not only to Saudi national security but also to wider regional stability.
The ministry said Saudi Arabia has pursued efforts toward a comprehensive political settlement in Yemen since the Houthis took control of the capital Sanaa and ousted the internationally recognized government from the city in 2014.
Saudi officials accused the movement of choosing continued military escalation instead of a political settlement. That characterization reflects the Saudi government’s position and should be understood as an attributed claim.
1. Threats to Saudi Civilians and Infrastructure
A central concern outlined by the ministry was the security of Saudi population centers and infrastructure.
The statement said Saudi Arabia condemns Houthi attacks targeting civilians and civilian facilities, arguing that repeated missile, drone and other attacks require continued defensive measures.
Saudi Arabia has reported several interception incidents in recent months involving missiles and drones directed toward the Kingdom.
The Arabian Buzz previously reported that falling debris from an intercepted Houthi missile injured a resident in Asir and damaged property. Readers can follow that coverage in our report on the intercepted Houthi missile in Asir.
That incident illustrates the wider risks posed when missile interceptions occur near populated areas.
2. Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab Shipping Risks
The statement also addressed maritime security.
The ministry said Saudi Arabia condemns Houthi attacks targeting Saudi vessels in the southern Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab Strait.
Bab Al-Mandab is a strategic maritime passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and, ultimately, the Arabian Sea. Disruption there can affect commercial traffic moving between Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Saudi officials have therefore linked security in the waterway to broader international economic interests.
A separate coalition statement issued shortly before the Foreign Ministry announcement also argued that threats to navigation in the southern Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab could affect international trade and regional security.
The Arabian Buzz has previously covered the coalition’s position that Houthi attacks threaten regional security, including concerns surrounding Saudi territory and maritime trade.
3. Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Right to Self-Defense
The third major element of the statement was Riyadh’s reaffirmation of its right to defend itself.
The Foreign Ministry said Saudi Arabia condemns Houthi attacks while maintaining what it described as an inherent right to protect its territory, resources, sovereignty, citizens and residents.
It said any measures taken would be carried out in accordance with international law.
Saudi Arabia has made similar statements during previous periods of heightened attacks. In August, Riyadh welcomed a UN Security Council condemnation of Houthi missile attacks and again asserted its right to protect its territory and infrastructure.
Support for Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council
The Kingdom also reaffirmed political and military support for Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council and internationally recognized government.
Saudi officials said the objective is to restore state institutions and support Yemen’s government in confronting the Houthis.
The statement urged the international community, particularly the permanent members of the UN Security Council, to implement relevant resolutions and support Yemen’s internationally recognized authorities.
The ministry framed that support as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader approach to Yemen’s political and security crisis.
Saudi Arabia Calls for International Action
Riyadh also called for a stronger international response.
The Foreign Ministry urged members of the international community to fulfill what it described as their responsibilities toward relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The Kingdom said continuing attacks pose risks beyond Saudi territory, affecting Yemen, neighboring states and international maritime security.
The original Arab News report also reported Saudi Arabia’s call for greater international support for Yemen’s government.
Regional Security Remains Under Pressure
The statement comes amid heightened regional tensions and continued military activity affecting Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
Just a day earlier, the coalition said it would continue operational support for Yemeni forces and cited attacks on Saudi cities and vessels among the reasons for maintaining defensive measures.
As Saudi Arabia condemns Houthi attacks, Riyadh is placing particular emphasis on three issues: protecting its territory and population, safeguarding Red Sea shipping and continuing support for Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
The latest statement makes clear that Saudi officials see those concerns as interconnected parts of a broader regional security challenge.
Source: Saudi Press Agency (SPA) / Arab News
